Angelo Petri Biography

Angelo Petri

tobacconist, vintner
Born: 1883
Birthplace: Marseilles, France

Moving to the United States as a toddler, he grew up to join his family's cigar-making business. He became the company president and increased the sales and recognition of the flagship Marca Petri cigar, which eventually became America's leading brand. He next turned to wine-making, reviving a family business in what would become United Vintners. Petri's marketing skill propelled the firm to become the largest wine distributor in the world at the time of his retirement in 1956.

Died: 1961